Table of Contents
Gran Coramino Tequila, co-founded by Kevin Hart and tequila producer Juan Domingo Beckmann, has issued $10,000 grants to a new group of small business owners through The Coramino Fund. The initiative, in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corp. and 1st Street Partnerships, is part of a $1.5 million program supporting more than 150 entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Mexico.
“Even small uses of AI—drafting emails, scheduling, bookkeeping, or market research—can free up time for growth,” LISC President and CEO Michael Pugh said. “Entrepreneurs gain confidence and insight that helps them make better decisions and build sustainable businesses.”
Hart said the initiative reflects the mission of The Coramino Fund. “We want to lift up the hard-working entrepreneurs who keep our communities strong. This group of grantees is building businesses with purpose, and that’s the leadership we want to celebrate.”
Entrepreneurs turn AI into opportunity
Recipients include Jessica Hunter, founder of Journee’s Roses in Compton, California, who used the training to develop marketing strategies in days instead of weeks. Monk Inyang, CEO of 1st Street Partnerships, noted Hunter quickly embraced AI techniques and discovered new revenue opportunities.
Daniel Paulsen, founder of 4 Grands Piano in Fairfield, New Jersey, called the grant “perfectly timed.” Other 2025 recipients include 7Studios, About Town, Beautiful Amore Skincare, Friends and Family Circle of Love, HelpMatch, Make My Cake, Mood Board Studios, Niema Gallery, Pretty Little Me Spa, and She-Pop Popcorn.
“Entrepreneurs like Daniel and Amerrah, who are expanding access to inclusive skincare, show the real impact The Coramino Fund can have,” said Kristin Turner, vice president at Gran Coramino Tequila.
Hart’s expanding business portfolio
Founded by Hart and Beckmann, Gran Coramino launched The Coramino Fund in 2022 with partners including LISC, 1st Street Partnerships, The Beckmann Foundation, and Tec de Monterrey. To date, the fund has helped over 100 small business owners.
Hart, who earned $108 million last year, continues to grow his ventures, including Hartbeat Productions, Gran Coramino and the Laugh Out Loud Network. Earlier this year, Gran Coramino it launched the $10,000 grant round, bringing total investment through the fund to $1.5 million. Hartbeat Ventures led a $35 million funding round for Simple, an AI health app with 700,000 subscribers.
